punji

noun

pun·​ji

ˈpənjē

plural -s

often attributive

: a sharpened stick usually of bamboo set in the ground especially in Vietnam as an antipersonnel weapon

punji stick

punji trap

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Kachin

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!